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5 defensive coordinators the NY Giants can target if Wink Martindale leaves

By Desmond Novack

Giants defensive coordinator Don "Wink" Martindale during warm ups prior to the Houston Texans at the New York Giants in a game played at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, NJ on November 13, 2022.The Houston Texans Face The New York Giants In A Game Played At Metlife Stadium In East Rutherford Nj On November 13 2022
Giants defensive coordinator Don "Wink" Martindale during warm ups prior to the Houston Texans at the New York Giants in a game played at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, NJ on November 13, 2022.The Houston Texans Face The New York Giants In A Game Played At Metlife Stadium In East Rutherford Nj On November 13 2022 /
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NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA – AUGUST 26: Defensive line head coach Ryan Nielsen of the New Orleans Saints stands on the field during the second quarter of an NFL preseason game against the Los Angeles Chargers at Caesars Superdome on August 26, 2022 in New Orleans, Louisiana. (Photo by Sean Gardner/Getty Images)
NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA – AUGUST 26: Defensive line head coach Ryan Nielsen of the New Orleans Saints stands on the field during the second quarter of an NFL preseason game against the Los Angeles Chargers at Caesars Superdome on August 26, 2022 in New Orleans, Louisiana. (Photo by Sean Gardner/Getty Images) /

1. Saints co-defensive coordinator Ryan Nielsen

While Ryan Nielsen may only have six years of NFL coaching experience, what he has done in that time has been nothing short of fantastic. Since joining the Saints in 2017, the 233 sacks the Saints have racked up ranks third in the NFL. Alongside this, Nielsen was a part of an elite Saints run defense that went an NFL record 55 games without allowing a 100-yard rusher.

Nielsen knows how to get the best out of his defensive linemen, and considering the young talent the front five of the Giants has, we could see some breakout seasons if Martindale goes and Joe Schoen brings in Nielsen.

According to the Saints website, since Nielsen joined the staff, the Saints have ranked Top 10 in sacks four out of five seasons and have finished top five in run defense in their last four campaigns. Similar to Bradley, Nielsen runs a 4-3 scheme defensively, which isn’t the best fit for the Giants but again, with how versatile the Giants front five are, we’re sure they could make it work if push comes to shove.

Who knows whether or not Martindale will be offered a head coaching position elsewhere, but regardless, the Giants should definitely be doing their homework and a great place to start would be these five coordinators. Nielsen would be quite the addition for the staff. If Wink stays, we’d love to see it, but there sure are options for Schoen and Daboll if something happens.

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